Summary of Board Minutes for November 2022

BZBI Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2022

Attendees: Matt Whitehorn, Suzanne Litke, Gary Bramnick, Josh Klein, Shoshana Bannett, Matt Maron, Akil
Bowler, Doug Barg, Bill Brookover, Sheldon Bernick, Melissa Lerman, Eileen Dwell, Gail Kroop, Jeff Hurok,
Susan Zeelander, Tanya Hess, Anne Albert, Jessica Simons, Daniel Cohen
Staff attendees: Lynne Balaban, Abe Friedman

1. Discussion of “Warm and Welcoming” which the board is reading together.

2. Approval of September board meeting minutes and November consent agenda.

3. Governance Committee

• Discussion of Proposal for amending portions of the synagogue bylaws.

4. Discussion items presented by President – Matt Whitehorn

• Community Fair to showcase committees being organized by Membership Committee. This
will be held in conjunction with a synagogue social event.
• Men’s Club – Trying to grow; there will be a pilot programs to discuss Men’s issues.
• Volunteer Appreciation Shabbat.

5. Executive Director’s report – Lynne Balaban

• “JEPP” security training attended by Lynne Balaban, Matt Whitehorn, Akhil Bowler, and staff
• “STOP The Bleed” training on December 1, 2022
• CPR training to be arranged.
• Boiler update – broke in March. While long ordered, components not yet arrived due to supply
chain issues. Electricians trying to develop a work around; currently using space heaters.
• We are very sad that Phyllis Kramer is retiring after many years of tireless service. We wish her
the very best. Look forward to announcement for a thank you event.

6. Development report – Suzanne Litke

• Annual Giving stands at $155,542.80 (18% participation); other donations to date $26,619.75.
• Kitchen pledges stand at $123,940. Lynn Norton Robins, Nikki Morris and Bob Fleischman
working on further fundraising. Giving Tuesday proceeds will go to kitchen.

7. Finance committee report – Daniel Cohen/Matt Maron

• Currently below budget on: Early childhood income, Ritual income/fundraising; membership;
Neziner Hebrew School; annual giving; tributes/memorials.
• Major expense categories are at expected value to date.

8. Clergy Report

• Revamped Friday night service on First Friday of month. The first service focused on building a
community of singing. This was followed by a dinner, offered at 2 times to facilitate participation
by a greater swath of the community. This was incredibly successful and will be continued.
***Next First Friday Shabbat will be December 2nd